The Civic Orchestra offers emerging professional musicians unique access to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) through immersive experiences with the musicians of the CSO and some of today’s most sought-after conductors, including world-renowned CSO Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti. Civic Orchestra musicians develop as exceptional orchestral players and engaged artists, cultivating their ability to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of music in the twenty-first century.

Civic musicians also expand their creative, professional and artistic boundaries and reach diverse audiences through educational performances at Chicago Public Schools, creative projects, and a series of chamber concerts at Symphony Center and in various neighborhood venues throughout the city including Chicago Park District field houses, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and Zhou B Art Center.

The Civic Orchestra’s long history of presenting full orchestra performances without charge includes concerts at the South Shore Cultural Center (in partnership with the South Shore Advisory Council), the Apostolic Church of God, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, and the New Regal Theater, as well as numerous Chicago Public Schools. 

To further expand its musician training, the Civic Orchestra launched the Civic Fellowship program in the 2013–14 season. Now engaging fifteen members of the Civic Orchestra, fellows participate in a rigorous curriculum above and beyond their orchestral activities that is designed to build and to diversify their creative and professional skills. 

See further details at the link below.